Mechanisms of Desensitization During Peanut Oral Immunotherapy

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 4 to up to 12 years of age of any gender, race, or ethnicity.
• Minimum weight 16 kg at the time of enrollment.
• Physician diagnosis of peanut allergy OR convincing clinical history of an allergic reaction to peanut.
• Detectable serum peanut -specific IgE level (CAP-FEIA ≥ 0.35 kU/L) and a positive SPT (wheal ≥ 3mm on skin prick test to peanut extract compared to a negative control.)
• Allergic reaction to ≤ 1 gm peanut protein during a blinded oral challenge test conducted at screening (e.g., a double-blinded, placebo-controlled food challenge [DBPCFC]).
• Written informed consent from parent/guardian.
• Written assent from subject if applicable
• Consumption of oat-containing product within 90 days prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria

• History of allergic reaction to peanut consistent with severe anaphylaxis (defined as hypotension/shock; or neurologic impairment).
• Chronic disease other than asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis requiring therapy; e.g., heart disease or diabetes.
• Active eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease in the past 2 years
• Participation in any interventional study for the treatment of food allergy in the 6 months prior to visit -1
• Inhalant allergen immunotherapy that has not yet reached maintenance dosing.
• Asthma defined as moderate or severe persistent by National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Guidelines (e.g. asthma that requires more than fluticasone 440 mcg or its equivalent daily for adequate control).
• Inability to discontinue antihistamines for skin testing, OFC and the initial dose escalation.
• Use of omalizumab or other non-traditional forms of allergen immunotherapy (e.g., oral or sublingual) in the 12 months prior to visit -1.
• Any systemic therapy which in the judgment of the investigator could be immunomodulatory (e.g. rituximab) in the 12 months prior to visit -1, Systemic corticosteroid therapy of up to a total of three weeks is allowed.
• Use of investigational drug in 90 days prior to visit -1.
• Plan to use any investigational drug during the study period.
• The presence of any medical condition that the investigator deems incompatible with participation in the trial.
• Inability to speak English.